Britannia Poem by Paul Reed

It was the closing of the year

When the last blue skies tantalised

Our faltering hopes surmised

That this was the day -

We, unbidden, set foot in your home

The one you set out in, the world to roam;



Far from Pacific or azure seas

When the sweet free spume

Cleaned your face with it's salty broom

And told you this was the day -

Your safety and sanctuary as one

A steady deck to rely upon;



And now, these years later

We, in awe, bring you our gift

Though the bow we cannot lift

We can see this is the day -

This is the chance we gladly took

To share our hearts with the Duke.